RAMALLAH
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has taken the unprecedented step of urging a host of governments and international bodies to add two groups in Israel to an international list of "terrorist" organizations.
"I have sent identical messages to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the U.S. State Department, Russia and Canada to label extremist [Jewish] 'Price Tag' and 'Hilltop Youth' groups terrorist bodies that should be added to the international list of terrorist groups," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riayd al-Malki said in a statement.
"I have provided a comprehensive file documenting terrorist acts committed by the two organizations as reported by Israeli media, along with statements by Israeli officials saying they committed terror against Arabs," he added.
The file, said al-Malki, illustrates the role played by these groups "in the killings [of Palestinians], incitement to violence and spreading a culture of hatred and racism" against Palestinians.
"Price Tag" refers to a group of far-right Jewish extremists who have systematically targeted Christian and Muslim property in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in apparent retaliation for perceived threats to Israeli settlement expansion.
A number of Palestinian vehicles and farms were recently torched, while mosques and churches have been spray-painted with the Star of David – a symbol associated with Israel – and racist phrases.
The latest incidents drew condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli authorities, however, have so far failed to take any action against the attacks.
Palestinian officials, for their part, say such incidents often take place while Israeli army or police personnel look on passively.
The PA formally applied for Palestinian membership in several U.N. agencies and conventions last month after the Israeli government refused to release a number of long-detained Palestinian prisoners as part of an earlier understanding.
Israel, meanwhile, has suspended peace talks with the Palestinians in response to last month's reconciliation deal between rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas.
By Anees Barghouthy
englishnews@aa.com.tr
